Abstract: A roller bearing sub-assembly can include a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion spaced apart from the first mounting portion, a first roller disposed between the first and second mounting portions and straps wrapped partially around different portions of the first roller. The first mounting portion, second mounting portion, first roller and straps are configured such that the first and second mounting portions are moveable relative to each other along a selected direction for a distance that is approximately equal to a circumference of the first roller in opposite directions from a mid-stroke position. Linear roller bearing assemblies and methods of forming linear roller bearing assemblies are also disclosed, as are multi-cylinder Stirling engines and a thermal energy recovery system.

Abstract: Techniques for making high voltage connections are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an electrical switch. The electrical switch may comprise a component extending from a first electrical contact to a second electrical contact. The component may also comprise a non-conductive section and a conductive section. In a first mode of operation, at least a portion of the non-conductive section may be positioned between the two electrical contacts to insulate the two electrical contacts. In a second mode of operation, the conductive section may be positioned between the two electrical contacts to connect the two electrical contacts.

Abstract: A battery pack has a plurality of batteries connected in series to provide a high voltage energy source and energy storage. The battery pack has a high voltage receptacle in which a high voltage harness is connected when power is to be distributed or stored. a cover guard prevents inadvertent access to the harness connector. The cover guard has integral therewith an electrical disconnect mechanism and latch mechanism which must be manipulated prior to exposing the harness connector. The disconnect mechanism eliminates the electrical connection of the batteries to a receptacle in which the harness connector is installed. The latch mechanism prevents removal of the cover guard prior to manual disconnection and also prevents reconnection prior to the cover guard being properly positioned.

Abstract: A contact mechanism for use with a switch has at least two spaced stationary electrical contacts. The contact mechanism includes a rolling contact member. The contact mechanism moves between a circuit closed position where the rolling contact member electrically joins the stationary electrical contacts, and a circuit open position where the rolling contact member does not join the stationary electrical contacts.

Abstract: An electrical appliance includes an appliance base, a cover, power lines carrying electrical power to the appliance base, an interlock switch, and a fastener. The interlock switch has a switch case and a switch within the switch case. The switch case is affixed to the appliance base, the switch is in one of the power lines, and the switch has an open position and a closed position. The fastener is arranged to fasten the cover to the appliance base so that the fastener holds the switch in its closed position when the cover is fastened by the fastener to the appliance base and allows the switch to move to its open position when the cover is not fastened by the fastener to the appliance base.

Abstract: An electrical switch and connector interlock mechanism permits ready reception and removal of a connector portion on a power cable from a connector portion attached to the unit and prevents current flow when the two connector portions are unseated or when a line connector is not received within the unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical contact assembly wherein a conductive contact member for electrically coupling two conductive surfaces also serves as part of a detent assembly. The electrical contact assembly has a contact member resiliently supported by a carrier, wherein the carrier controllably guides the contact member along a path. A feature of the electrical contact assembly is a detent bump disposed at a location along the contact member's path, wherein upon contact between the contact member and the detent bump, the detent bump provides resistance to relative movement between the carrier and the conductive surfaces, thereby producing "detent feel.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor has a movable contact formed by a roll spring wound around a roller which can roll along a guide surface of a resinous frame, and stationary contacts mounted on the resinous frame to lie in a path of rolling movement of the roller. Two recesses are formed in the guide surface of the resinous frame and divided by a partition, and the stationary contacts are disposed in these recesses, respectively. The acceleration sensor ensures not only that the single movable contact be brought into contact with the two stationary contacts for conduction therebetween to thereby provide a function corresponding to two conventional acceleration sensors by a single acceleration sensor, but also that any dislocation of the two stationary contacts is restrained by the disposition thereof in the two recesses divided by the partition, thereby preventing short-circuit between both the stationary contacts.

Abstract: A rolamite acceleration sensor which has a failsafe feature including a housing, a pair of rollers, a tension band wrapped in an S shaped fashion around the rollers, wherein the band has a force-generation cut out and a failsafe cut out or weak portion. The failsafe cut out or weak portion breaks when the sensor is subjected to an excessive acceleration so that the sensor fails in an open circuit (non-conducting) state permanently.

Abstract: A rolamite sensor for use in sensing deceleration of a vehicle includes two separate electrical circuits for actuating one or more occupant restraints such as air bags. The sensor has a base mounted on a chassis and a cover welded to the chassis to enclose the base. One surface of the base acts as a guide surface for a roller. A pair of thin metal bands are wrapped around the roller. The ends of the bands are fixed to the base. The roller is rollable on the guide surface under an applied force to cause the bands to engage firing contacts to complete the electrical circuits. The roller has a pair of spaced apart tubular metal caps supported on a non-conductive insert. Each band is welded to a respective one of the conductive metal caps of the roller.

Abstract: A rolamite sensor for use in sensing deceleration of a vehicle includes two separate electrical circuits for actuating two occupant restraints such as air bags. The sensor has a molded plastic base mounted on a metal chassis and a metal cover welded to the chassis to sealingly enclose the base. One surface of the base acts as a guide surface for a roller. A pair of thin metal bands are wrapped around the roller. Each band is fixed at one end to the base and at the other end to a J-shaped tensioner underneath the base. The roller is rollable on the guide surface under an applied force to cause the band to engage firing contacts to complete the electrical circuits. An optical electromagnet may be fixed to the chassis without increasing the overall size of the sensor. The electromagnet is selectively operable to attract the roller to test the sensor by completing the electrical circuits. The electromagnet includes a ferromagnetic core and a coil wound directly on the core.

Abstract: A rolamite sensor includes a formed sheet metal base attached to a metal chassis. One surface of the sheet metal base acts as a guide surface for a roller. A thin metal foil band is wrapped around the roller and has its ends welded to the base underneath the base. The roller is biased into a first position and is rollable on the guide surface from its first position under an applied force to cause the band to engage a firing contact. A single pin connected to the firing contact extends through the chassis and is electrically insulated from the chassis. The pin and chassis are connected to opposite electric potentials in the vehicle. When the band engages the firing contact, an electrical circuit is completed through the pin, the firing contact, the band, the base, and the chassis to activate a vehicle safety apparatus. The sheet metal base includes a calibration tab which sets the first position of the roller along the guide surface.

Abstract: A wall switch extension control comprises an elongated rod member having a hole through which the switch lever extends and brackets which resiliently, releaseably, slideably, and frictionally engage the elongated rod member. The elongated rod member can be used to manipulate alternate anglular positions of a pivotal switch lever. The elongated rod member is susceptible of being engaged with the brackets and simultaneously engaged with the switch lever, and of correspondingly simultaneously disengaged from the switch lever and the brackets all in one action and without the use of any tools.